My name is Chris Sligh. As an artist I'm award-winning, critically acclaimed & mildly-to-not popular; I wrote a number 1 song (Here Comes Goodbye) for Rascal Flatts. I'm married to Sarah and I'm deeply in love. Most importantly, I am a Christ-follower.

About Me

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Brad Paisley's American Saturday Night

This album is incredible. It's funny that for the writing that I do, I don't listen to a ton of country music. There's the more pop artists like Keith Urban and of course Flatts. But for the most part, I don't listen to a ton of "real" country music.

Brad Paisley's music is more traditional "twangy" country. But, man, his songs are so freaking good, it's just nearly impossible not to love his stuff...at least for me. I'm a sucker for good songwriting. I study it, learn and try to emulate as much as I can. Brad's albums are just clinics on great, emotional but not sappy songwriting. He also has a wittiness that unparalleled in most people's songwriting.

So check out this album...

Standouts: "Then", "The Pants", "You Do the Math" and "Anything Like Me"

Seriously - I totally agree with you on that one. I didn't grow up with country but learned to love it over the last six years. Brad is my absolute favorite mostly because he's such a genius writer (every song has a story) and his band is incredible.

Hmmmm....read a bunch on the Paisley story mentioned below. In the interest of fairness I'm a big believer in hearing the other side of a story, problem is it's not out on the web, not as far as I can tell. So I'm reserving judgement until any of this is verified by a reliable source. It feels like a part of the story is missing, but that's just my opinion. Innocent until proven guilty and all that. Still like his music.

My money's on Google alerts.Look maybe it happened, maybe it didn't but until the other side of the story surfaces it's all heresay.Besides we're discussing his musical talent. Still think he's a great candidate for WCAT.

It's funny...speaking of Brad Paisley...I went to Karaoke for a Cause for the Boys/Girls Club tonight in Conway. Kris Allen's brother, Daniel, was the emcee (ala Ryan Seacrest) and other local dignitaries played the judges. It was hilarious and Daniel did a great job. Anyway, the local school superintendent put on a big cowboy hat and had his fake guitar, and did such a funny rendition of Brad Paisley's "I'm Still a Guy."

Oh, my gosh, you weren't kidding, Clearsa, when you said you haven't been listening to country. Brad Paisley's greatest strength is he knows how to tell a story...some are funny, as the above song, others very deep and serious. Awesome. Here's some videos to check out-some of my faves are duets:

Chris/DJ in AL,I'm the anon that posted about Brad Paisley. I read and check Chris's blog regularly (every day in fact and have been since Chris set it up after he was on American Idol; not that he updates that regularly sometimes, but he’s a busy guy!). I even have his other blog (The Adventures of Sligh) still in my favorites in case it ever gets updated past that last post that's been up there forever. I'm just a bit shy about having too much public info out there so I tend to not sign up for more accounts than I need to (my husband works in computer security so I’m aware of the underlying security issues). I also read the blog of the person where that story was originally posted. I am not related to them in any way, nor do I know them personally.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion on the situation. I just wanted to make people aware of what (may have) gone on to see that there are other sides to people that not everyone hears about. I think it's a shame that there's a chance that a non-profit for kids may have been put out of business either directly by him (or by his agent).

I did recommend that people make their own judgments on the situation. Obviously there are more sides to the story and until we hear directly from Brad himself, we'll never know his.

Brad is a human being just like the rest of us and as such, he makes mistakes. This may have been one of them. It appears that there were better ways to handle this situation that could have been great for everyone involved.

Like I said, read the blog info about it, listen to the radio interview from the person it directly affected and then form your own opinions.

And Chris, I think your music is incredible. Please keep writing and singing and sharing your talents with the world.

As you say, everyone is entitled to their opinion and as my post indicated I haven't made my mind up in regard to whether he's a "great guy" or not until I hear his side of this particular story.

You will have to forgive my suspicion when Anons post. If you have been following this blog then you will know that Anons have a tendency to drop by on occasion in an attempt to cause havoc in our sweet little community. Being the Momma Bear of the blog I try to run those kinds of folks off cause we really like what we have here. That said, everyone wishing to exchange opinions and ideas in a fair and respectful manner are more than welcome, including you (I'm saying what I imagine Chris would say here). We aren't concerned with always agreeing with each other, in fact we don't always.

As far as Brad Paisley is concerned, I like his music. I think he's a talented musician. As far as I can tell that was what we were originally talking about.

If he's guilty of what is described in the posts of the blog you sent us to than I'd say he made a huge error in judgement. My heart goes out to the folks running the organization and I sincerely hope they are able to revive their efforts.

But until Brad calls me to explain or I read more from his side of the issue, I remain undecided and he's innocent until proven otherwise.

Whatever transgressions Brad Paisley or his agent may be responsible for, this not the place to air it. The information you link to can be regarded as lopside and premature for our consideration until balanced reporting (i.e. his side as well) is available.

Previously signing off without an idenity of some sort gives the impression of you being a troll.

The point of this topic was an appreciation of his craft as a singer, recording artist, and song writer, PERIOD.

Ms. Anon, pick you out a psuedonym and jump in! Ease up,now, GDA, we've all had an opinion here or there. I don't think it's fair to judge, however, based on someone's blog. Just cause it's on the internet, Lord knows, does not make it the gospel.

My question to Chris (if he can get off his sickbed long enough to answer, and maybe via iPhone he doesn't even have to do that), is: was there a moment that defined your songwriting? I ask because Kris Allens' parents spoke at a faith luncheon (a group of media believers who meet monthly together) this week and talked about his defining moment. They said before he took his first mission trip he could sing and play well, but couldn't write. He became very ill with a rare form of hepatitis while gone, and at one point, they even thought they might lose him. It took a year for him to get back to normal. After that experience, his songwriting skills started to flourish. I don't mean to suggest it takes a near death experience to be a songwriter, but just wondered if often writers experience a significant event that gets them started or maybe something that causes their writing to go from good to great.

OK, I guess I'm not as Brad ignorant as I thought. I've seen his Waitin on a Woman, Whiskey Lullaby and When I Get Where I Am Going on CMT.I *do* watch it occasionally. Never paid attention to who it was. Just another country crooner guy to me. I *do* love Dolly and Allison, his duet partners though.

Risa's been cheatin on ya! Just sayin. Sista, good job on the Kris Allen (new boyfriend, gasp!)recap and fabo pics from your NLR AI concert! I see you are making real strides in your new career in the entertainment business, LOL!Girl, as I have said more than once, get get sucked in a little deeper every day!

Chris, LOL, "I am secure." ...of this I am absolutely certain! Back in the early days I used to worry about you my chubby, bespectacled, curly headed friend but I've come to learn that you know how to take care of yourself like no other! I fear for you no longer!

As for my wandering Sista dear, she will return to the fold once she becomes disillusioned by her new love as soon as he doesn't cough up the meet & greets she craves! (Oh I crack myself up, if no one else!)

More later on the subject of four letter words one should never utter.....

GDA - Now you're REALLY in the doghouse with some of us! (Just kidding)

Just got back from my South Carolina trip. Another miserable plane ride home. The flight was delayed before we even took off. We could not make it into Laguardia Airport due to storms, so the pilot circled around for a while in a holding pattern. Then the plane was diverted to Baltimore. After another hour's wait they put us on a bus for a four hour ride home. So a two hour trip turned into a ten hour trip. We finally made it home 3:30 AM this morning. However, the security guard and restaurant help at the Greenville Airport were very impressed with my Snaptotes Sligh bag! I bet I could have smuggled a can of Rotel home in it with no problem!

You know, you people (do I need to spell out which two?) are really annoying, and one day, I am gonna' get tired of the abuse and just disappear from the blog and you are gonna' miss me. But not today. : )

Love ya and believe me anybody who knows you, knows who you love and who you don't, er knows you love everyone! I know I'm at the top of the list too:) Not sure which list but I know I'm on there somewhere!

Rosalee:That is a great picture! Cute of both of you. And look how that Chris Sligh manages to get in every shot. Picture hog! ; ) I hate that you had all that trouble getting home, but better to ride a bus than be in a plane during precarious weather!

GDA: A traditional Southern cook would not need the Bisquick and would make his/her own biscuits from scratch. My mama makes the best. I, on the other hand, do resort to Bisquick. My fave though, is that biscuit mix we picked up at the Loveless Cafe that you mix with buttermilk. Those biscuits are so light you hardly know you've eaten one. And that can be dangerous! Rotel, of course, well that goes without saying.

Risa: I will most definitely be sure to be the second Sligh plug for my MJ tour recap! Thanks for not forgetting about me :). I did it last year too, discussing how no tour can compare to Season 6's!

Cracking up at Chris' self assuredness of Risa's love :). Wasn't there once a time when he thought we'd all leave him before Season 7 started? HA!! How long ago that was! (And I thought "assuredness" was a word?? Oh well, maybe it's not).

Rotel, I admit, I fail to have on hand at all times, but BISQUICK -- GDA, now you're talkin' my language! I made myself some Bisquick "Drop biscuits" with my Grandma's famous strawberry jelly just yesterday! To die for I tell ya! Must be a VA Shenandoah Valley thing.

Thank you, Rosalee! Did you notice I was getting all kinds of love from the Adam fans-they were gaga over my Adam pics. My worst ones were Kris...the lighting was crummy and I didn't know how to adjust for it. I have what would have been an awesome video of "Mad World" till the girl two seats to the right who went out before it started, decided to crawl over me with her snack before it was done.

It's still a crapshoot with that camera. It either loves me or hates me. I need to take a class.

What, no posts all day? You folks are falling down on the job. : ) Arrived safely in Dallas. On the 20th floor, but it makes me a little nauseous, so thinking I won't be enjoying the view. Chris, exciting tweets, but you didn't answer the question, when do you think the pre-order, EP thing might be available? (we won't hold you to it)

It's going get even quieter on the blog if the only way to stay current is to go to twitter and doesn't appear on the blog, or it’s stale news or history when it appears.

Rant followsIt's rather like trying to follow several conversations at a party.Unless you follow everyone who a reply is targeted to, it can get frustratingly disjointed sometimes, like trying to match socks from different loads of laundryNot a suitable alternative unless you like updates in the form of internet Post-Its.

Hey Chris--I have always liked Brad Paisley. His songwriting is just so, so good. The first big one he had, "And we danced" is still a favorite of mine, and can make me all swoony when it's on the radio. :-)

I like him alot less when he does so srs songs like the Whiskey Lullabye(which I find unlistenable) or when he does "funny" songs like the Ticks or Fishing song-- but it occurred to me last week at work, that he maybe was inspired by Alan Jackson as a songwriter. Alan Jackson isn't afraid to do fun songs, and is also a longtime fav of mine.

Both of them have done songs that are classics, and that we will love forever, and I think they are remarkably unique. Me likey.

Back from Dallas. I'm worn out, but had a great time at my MK seminar. Back to work tomorrow with my school hat on(we work in the private sector as well as with public schools)....not ready to give up summer yet!

Just watched/listened to Chris at the Crystal Cathedral (online). I've heard "Empty Me" a bajillion times and never tire of it. It always touches my heart. And just imagine if you could get as high as the Christian Munks, Chris! (just had to throw that in there! LOL)

Risa, I agree. I still get chills whenever I hear Chris sing "Empty Me". It was really beautiful seeing him at the Crystal Cathedral and perform it live. I DVR'd it today and got chills again.Good luck tomorrow back at work. Yuk!! Summer is sure going by fast.

Between services Sunday several of us choir members were discussing Bart Millard and cover songs etc. when one of the guys up and asks *ME* if I knew the song "Empty Me". HAHAHAHA I quietly said, "yes". And he went on to tell me some little fact about the song, I honestly can't remember WHAT, cuz I was SO excited to tell him of my/our Sligh adventures that I didn't pay attention! LOLThey were all very happy to hear how great Chris is to his fans. What a guy!! :o)

(My current Facebook status) I'm about to leave for the American Idol concert in DC! ...& if you're wondering "Kris or Adam"? The answer is Chris Sligh - sporting my favorite Sligh tee-shirt, in fact. (No matter that it's the wrong season!)

Ah, Chris at home and so close, but so far! One of my best buddies is coming into town on the 10th, lunch with her on the 11th. Whew! I'm almost glad, I don't think I would have won the "why can't I go to Nashville on the 11th to see Chris?" argument with hubby!